Klopp not happy with Everton, Aston Villa game comparisons

Jurgen Klopp TEAMtalk

Jurgen Klopp was quick to curb the euphoria around Liverpool’s recent win over Everton and admitted the result could have been very different.

The Reds boss rung the changes for the FA Cup clash with their neighbours with as many as nine alterations from the side that defeated Sheffield United in the Premier League.

Klopp selected largely a youthful side due to his side’s hectic schedule, although senior stars James Milner, Divock Origi, Joe Gomez and Adam Lallana all started along with new boy Takumi Minamino.

And while Klopp’s gamble paid off with a hard-fought 1-0 victory, he was quick to play down the result on Friday ahead of the trip to Tottenham.

“Everton could have been different, but Adrian saved our lives with the saves. We can lose a game as long as we do the right things. If you lose? Try again. It worked out v Everton. It was proof for our boys that it can work out,” said Klopp.

“I had the message that I wanted the team on the pitch to have the legs to put Everton under pressure and players who were excited to play. If it worked 100% their credit, if we lose, 100% my fault. Everton missed big chances though.”

The impressive victory, which left Everton boss Carlo Ancelott reportedly furious with his side, was compared to the 5-0 defeat to Aston Villa in the League Cup in December.

Again Klopp, who says Naby Keita and James Milner remain sidelined, selected a much-changed side with his senior XI away in Qatar at the Club World Cup.

Neil Critchley led Liverpool that night, and the team contained five debutants and which had an average age of 19 years, six months and three days.

 

 

And Klopp says the comparisons between those two games are unfair, with only Harvey Elliott and Pedro Chirivella playing in both fixtures.

“The Aston Villa game was a completely different team, but people compare it. In the first 15 minutes against Aston Villa we were outstanding. All the mistakes we made were because of the physical age group, they lost challenges. It is completely normal,” said Klopp

“They lost 5-0, it can happen. What I want to see and show is our patterns, routines and our football is there to see. I saw it v Villa and Everton. That is the main thing. The boys need to know if you’re part of Liverpool you have to fill our philosophy with life. How we behave with the ball, how we behave without the ball and we have to be brave.”

Asked about the development of his young players, Klopp added: “All these boys are responsible for their own development. We buy players because we are convinced that they can help and push us. It has all worked out. Absolutely exceptional but it only works because of the environment the players create in the group. Great for the kids.

“The role models, they couldn’t be better. Trent, as a Scouser, is ideal for Curtis. It is not easy to represent all Scousers of the world. Millie, Hendo, Adam, they helped create the situation of what is allowed and what isn’t Really happy we have these characters.”

READ MORE: Klopp exasperated at opening Liverpool press conference question